Are you Maltese or an immigrant?
Immigrant, from Japan
On a scale of 0 to 10, how patriotic are you?
2
I feel I got ‘aspects’ from the places I grew up at, and naturally feel related with some things, but why would I feel ‘proud’ about some random happenings such as being born X or Y?
‘Proud to be X!’ – like being born in a place adds to who you are (except if you got a strong passport or things like that, of course) – if you’re an idiot, you are an idiot whether you are Chinese or British.
How long have you been living in Malta?
Arrived around November of last year, but left a couple of months and came back in March. Been here since then
How would you describe life in Malta?
Suffocating – As a foreigner, come fresh and with as much patience as you can
Has it been easy to settle down, to find accommodation and a job?
I already had a job when I arrived. Company located in a different country. Work remotely
It was easy to find an apartment, and to settle down.
It’s an English speaking country so it will be easier for most to get around and get help
Now, the speed in which anything is done in this country, is another story
How is the standard of living
I would say my standard of living has been the lowest ever.
Every person’s experience will be different, and I know Tokyo cannot be compared to Malta, like, at all, but I have also lived in many other ‘developing’ countries.
I visited many countries supposed to be poorer than Malta, that have better public transport, infrastructure, etc etc etc
How is the cost of living?
Very high – everyone always thinks I’m joking when I tell them Malta is more expensive than Tokyo.
To eat out is more expensive than large mainland European cities (maybe not London or Paris), and the quality is absolute trash here.
I am paying twice for the same meal I would get say, in Japan (which also imports a lot, being an island!!) but more often than not it feels like the meal was definitely not worth the price – I have like 5 restaurants in the whole damn island that actually deserve the 4.5 star rating they get in Google.
Same goes for, well, everything else. Groceries, expensive.
Any electronics, clothes, etc.. more expensive than anywhere abroad.
There really is no big plus of living here (I see mostly the Nordics seem to really like it, but I mean, they come from cold countries, and I’ve seen people topless in Stockholm at 15 degrees so there’s that) .and with constant power cuts every summer, even iGaming companies have slowly started relocating elsewhere.
Is it easy to make friends in Malta?
Yes, it is very easy
How safe is Malta?
It is safe. No complaints there
You’re more likely to be killed by a falling piece of debris over your head, from one of the countless falling-apart buildings, even in the ‘city’ centres, than by another human being (unless that human being is driving)
What are your thoughts on nature in Malta?
What nature?
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, pretty much everyone speaks it – although varying degrees of proficiency; that goes for Maltese people too lol
How diverse is Malta?
It’s become quite diverse
Indian/Pakistanis (delivery boys/waiters), South East Asians (Thai at massage parlours, Chinese with their stores/restaurants, Vietnamese/Philippinos also waiting tables..)
Nordics – Most working for iGaming companies. There’s 2 types, the ones that have made most of their career in iGaming, and those just getting started – which are the recently graduated, ‘let’s go work in Customer Service/Game Presenter in Malta’!
Japanese/Korean – Surprisingly, more than I expected. Working also in iGaming or studying English
Maltese people – mostly landlords, business owners, and sometimes you do run into them mixing with the ‘peasantry’ and actually doing lower paid jobs
Colombians – Someone must have posted something in some FB group somewhere because they come by the dozens daily; some to add to society, some come with their whole families, some others can’t even say ‘hello’ – but hey, you can apply for a visa on arrival so that leads us to apartment blocks filled with 10+ people, exploited third country nationals working illegally
Weird but sometimes seen specimen – Police officers
Shiny creatures – Political Elite and people ‘running’ this country
Do you like the weather?
I love that the sky is blue most days
Peak summer – unbearable, and as everything here, you’ll likely lose power at home and not be able to use your AC
Now, going to a hotel might not be an option because the hotel might also lose power!
Peak winter – Not so cold but feels like it because of the humidity – The houses/apartments feel like an igloo and running the AC in heat all day won’t do a diffe
rence
How is Maltese cuisine?
I didn’t really like it but I have no strong criticism for it – it’s personal choice
What are your favorite Maltese foods?
Ricotta Pastizzi maybe hahaha
Does Malta suffer any natural disasters? If Yes, how often?
I felt a few earthquakes since I moved here
Being Japanese, I was completely shocked
Apparently, nothing has ever happened but I can’t help to think, if those earthquakes get 1 or 2 points stronger, the country will literally fall apart as it was built with their feet (talking about new Maltese > all credit to their ancestors that built Valetta and the impressive fortifications that still stand – unlike the latest ’roundabout’ just inaugurated last month lmao)
How is tax in Malta?
No complaints there
How is the transportation system?
Malta’s transportation system is – private cars and Bolt/Uber
They do have buses (they’re new, I give them that) but say you’re scheduled at 11:30 > damn bus will come at 12, and if you’re lucky, you might get on > he might just open the door to inform you it’s full, if at all > others will just pass by and your 11:30 bus turns into the 12:30 one
Once you’re on the bus, a 10/15 min ride on a car turns into a 45 min ride
For an island the size of my neighbourhood, that’s absolutely unacceptable for me
What do you think about the standard of education?
Did not study here and I am not very familiar to give my opinion
What is the most popular sport?
Must be football
How is the entertainment industry?
Everything must be owned by the same 5 fat balding Maltese guys
Summarized >
Paceville – Club/bar area > never set foot there at night. Trash tourists and piss alleys
1 mall actually worth going, in the whole island, only because the other malls are really not worth going to
2 proper supermarkets (Wallmart like) in the whole island
Lots of overpriced restaurants
Beaches with no sand
What are your thoughts on beauty standards in Malta?
Not sure
How is racism in Malta?
Maltese people are pretty racist, it seems like the general consensus – I was told that before moving, I saw it while living here, although never experienced it myself, most foreigners I know have a story
How is religion in Malta?
Holy Jesus
If they could vote him prime minister, they would
Is Malta LGBTQ+ friendly?
Not really involved so not sure, but I have read that it is actually very friendly
What are your thoughts on the healthcare system?
Never used it – heard it’s good – but then also heard bad stuff
With my experience so far, I am already sceptical, but again, not sure
What are your thoughts on the economic situation in Malta?
I think as soon as iGaming companies pull out, they’re screwed
Is corruption an existing issue in Malta?
I cannot believe how such a small place, where you probably went grocery shopping next to the future prime minister one day, can be SO corrupt
(nah, that’s a bit too much – the political class in Malta are a bunch of skunks, they wouldn’t dare to do their own shopping)
Who is your favorite Maltese celebrity?
Don’t know any
What is the most celebrated festival/holiday?
I guess local fiestas
What are your favorite Maltese slangs, and their meanings?
Can I
What are your thought on politics? Do you think they are doing well?
I think a group of 10/50 bastards (not sure how many people actually constitute the government) took over this poor country and are squeezing it until there won’t be anything left – but they’ll be gone by then
What bothers you about Malta?
Based on my previous answers, where do I start? ahaha
Out of joke, my main issue is that the general attitude seems to be ‘well, because nobody gives a F, I don’t have to either!’ and then we’re F’ed
Do you think Malta is the greatest country in the world? If not, what country do you think is the greatest?
HAHA this is an unexpected question
Not even the top 20 countries in Europe
What advice would you like to give someone who would like to live in/visit Malta?
I think it’s good to visit, because yeah, Mdina and Valetta are interesting and unlike stuff you probably saw before – couple of days is enough though
Do NOT relocate here to live > right now, it does not add anything > even if you have a great salary, the downsides are not worth it
Which city will you likely recommend to a foreigner to live? And why?
I would say Sliema because everything is walking distance, but rent is expensive
What places/things would you recommend people to visit/do?
Mdina, Valetta, Gozo
What are the biggest misconceptions about Malta?
That it’s a mediterranean paradise or hidden gem
Spain, Portugal, Italy, south France all are more worth a visit
What Maltese stereotypes do you not relate to?
None
What Maltese stereotypes do you relate to?
None
What are cons of living in Malta?
Cost of living and impracticality of pretty much everything
What are pros of living in Malta?
I guess if you like the sun and heat
And really love Pasta
If you could relocate, what country would you relocate to?
I would go back to Asia since business is thriving there
Currently looking into relocating to a mainland European city
What are interesting facts about Malta?
History up until their independence – then it went downhill
What are things that are normal in Malta but may surprise foreigners?
Laziness, greediness
What would you like to say to people living in Malta?
As a Japanese, we also live in an island with relative limited space
Because of this, we have made it our culture to coexist and respect everyone’s space and boundaries
Maltese are so selfish – just one example > you don’t need 5 f***ing cars you idiot!
What would you like to say to people living elsewhere?
Research well if you’re willing to come
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate Malta.
-5
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
My answers above give a good insight haha